As we embrace the warmth of the sun and the glow of our screens, it's crucial to understand the impact of various types of light on our skin.
While many of us are familiar with the harmful effects of UV rays, particularly UVB the ones that make you burn, UVA make you age but we must also recognize the potential threats posed by infrared (IR) and blue light. Let's delve into why broad-spectrum protection is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
Understanding UVA Radiation: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, reaching the dermis where they can cause significant damage. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are less likely to cause sunburn but contribute to premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Additionally, UVA exposure can exacerbate the risk of skin cancer. This underscores the importance of choosing sunscreen labeled as "broad spectrum" to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
The Role of Infrared Radiation (IR): Infrared radiation, commonly emitted by the sun can penetrate even deeper into the skin than UVA rays. IR exposure heats the skin and triggers inflammation thus the term inflammaging.
Recent studies show that IR are responsible for solar elastosis, in other words wrinkles and sagging, IR radiation also contributes to diffuse redness and broken capillaries. While sunscreen primarily protects against UV radiation, incorporating anti- inflammatory and anti oxidants into your skincare routine can help neutralize the damaging effects of IR.
Blue Light and Skin Health: In our digital age, we're constantly exposed to blue light emitted by smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices. While research on the direct impact of blue light on the skin is ongoing, the visible light, precisely the blue light is responsible for sunspots and dehydration.
French Professor Passeron, studies skin pigmentation and he recently published a study on the pigmenting effects of the visible blue light, the results show that the melanin production is different than the one from UVB exposure, the color is more intense and more stubborn. To mitigate the effects of blue light, consider using skincare products formulated with ingredients like iron oxydes and niacinamide.
The Importance of Broad-Spectrum Protection:
Given the diverse range of harmful wavelengths that can affect our skin, broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable. By shielding our skin from both UVA and UVB rays, as well as providing additional defense against IR and blue light, broad-spectrum sunscreen acts as a crucial line of defense against premature aging and skin damage. Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it regularly, especially when spending extended periods outdoors or in front of screens.
The solar spectrum is made of 51 % Infra-Reds, 2% UV and 47 % visible light.
A good sunscreen should have full UV spectrum sunscreen, anti-free radical actives (vitamin E, vitamin C, carotene), actives that prevent inflammation and DNA damage. But also actives to prevent IR to heat the skin (mineral sunscreen such as Titanium Dioxide & zinc Oxide) and finally blue light stoppers (Iron oxide fond in tinted SPF).
CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITES:
Anthelios UVmune 400
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Provides a complete protection against UV (short UVA, long UVA and UVB filter). Its formulation makes it invisible on the skin.
TIPS: shake well
WHAT WE LOVE:
Anthelios is perfume free and anti oxidant is Paraben free, fragrance free, safe for pregnant women and water resistant.
Uriage Water cream tinted compact
All in one for dry skin and sensitive skin prone to redness, it hydrates, skin calms, even complexion and protect against the sun.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Provides a complete protection against UVa and B (mineral sunscreen), as well as blue light (Iron oxides). Has an
TIPS:
It is a cc cream that can be layered for a light to heavy coverage. To do so, warm up the cream between your fingers, apply quickly, reapply over areas in need of more coverage.
WHAT WE LOVE: The cream is refreshing and gives you an instant healthy glow.
Brush on block
SPF 30 powder sunscreen that can be reapplied w/o messing up your makeup.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Provides a complete protection against UV (mineral sunscreen, UVA and UVB) as well as short wavelengths of visible light aka blue light (Iron oxides).
TIPS:
Reapply 3-4 times a day, angle the brush, tap to initiate powder flow, take your time dusting entire face.
WHAT WE LOVE: It is a mineral makeup, that will not sip into your pores.
